Reskins pamper breast cancer patients

At Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., cleats, jerseys and helmets were cleared away for heels, hair and makeup as the team clubhouse was transformed into a salon for the day.

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Local women who are battling breast cancer were treated to a day of bliss. They each received a wig, headscarf, and $500 worth of free makeup.

One of them was Lisa Whitaker, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she went into remission.

“I just had my 5-year-anniversary in May and I went to my doctor for my checkup and they found a tumor in my other breast,” she said.

Battling the disease for the second time she says there's less fear but she still feels run-down.

Dan Snyder's wife Tanya, a breast cancer survivor herself, was on hand to help, as were some players.

“They're in the middle of the trenches of losing their hair and fighting breast cancer and we want them to have a special day and be pampered,” Tanya Snyder said.

Their visit also included a private tour of the team clubhouse with tight end Chris Cooley and safety Reed Doughty who both wear pink gear on gamedays.

“The guys in particular say ‘hey I want the pink cleats, a pink mouthpiece’ to show their support for breast cancer awareness,” Doughty said.

Brenda Silvia-Torma of the American Cancer Society says the show of support makes a difference. “For their mental health as well as their physical health, it just lifts their spirit. It just makes them know there are so many caring people out there in the world,” she said.

Whitaker said the day made her feel more upbeat. “It's great to be here and not thinking about it,” she said. “I'm going to feel much better about myself. I'll be able to go out in public, and not... I'll feel pretty again.”

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